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COLUMBIA - A tax designed to offset some of the expense of the health care overhaul bill has a local tanning salon feeling the burn.

Mandy Cheatham has 3,000 clients at her Sun Studio tanning salon in Lexington County.

"Honestly, it really upsets me.  It makes me feel like the government is not encouraging small business,” said Cheatham.

The measure, expected to start in July, will put a ten-percent tax on all tanning sessions.

Cheatham said in a tough economy the hit would be hard to absorb.

"Tanning salons are locally owned small business, most of which are owned by women, it makes me feel like the government isn't doing enough to help the economy grow locally," said Cheatham.

Supporters of the tax said they hope it will discourage the use of tanning beds.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, indoor tanning before the age of thirty has been associated with a 75-percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

However Cheatham argues that there are benefits to tanning, like improved mood and absorption of Vitamin D.

"It makes you feel better, so people who are against it they really need to think about the facts and it really is a natural process," said Cheatham.

Cheatham said she's halted plans to open another store until she's sees what kind of impact the tan tax has on her business.

"It's going to put a big stress on our company I think, we're just hoping that our customers will know that there's not much we can do about it and that they will still stay with us," said Cheatham.